Martha’s Vineyard tribe to appeal federal gambling ruling

AQUINNAH, Mass. (AP) – The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head plans to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that prohibits the Martha’s Vineyard tribe from opening a bingo hall in its soon-to-be-completed community center.

Judge Dennis Saylor IV wrote earlier this month that the Aquinnah-based tribe failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence that it exercises governmental control over its settlement lands.

Saylor says both town and state laws apply to the tribe, including Aquinnah’s ban on gambling.

Tribal attorney Scott Crowell tells The Cape Cod Times the Wampanoag would need to prove that there was a factual change the judge was not aware of when making his decision to successfully appeal.

The National Indian Gaming Commission supports the tribe’s right to provide gambling on its land.

The Wampanoag must file their appeal by Dec. 11.

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Information from: Cape Cod (Mass.) Times, http://www.capecodonline.com